Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”20px” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#f0f2f6″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”4%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”4%” left_padding_desktop=”5%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”5%” left_padding_phone=”14px” constrain_group_6=”yes” right_padding_phone=”14px” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” zindex=”10″ row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n<\/figure>\n<\/p>\n
Key Takeaways at a Glance<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\n\n| Key Points<\/th>\n | Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
\n\n| Legal Basis<\/td>\n | Under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123), the Buildings Department (BD) has the authority to issue Mandatory Window Inspection notices to private buildings aged 10 years or above.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Inspection Cycle<\/td>\n | The BD generally issues notices every 5 years. Property owners must complete the inspection and submit the report within the specified deadline after receiving the notice.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Qualified Personnel Requirements<\/td>\n | Window inspections must be carried out by BD-recognised Registered Contractors or qualified engineering personnel. Ordinary renovation workers are not permitted to perform statutory inspections.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Report Submission<\/td>\n | After completing the inspection, a written or computer-generated inspection report, together with relevant photographs and repair records, must be submitted to the BD.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Repair Responsibility<\/td>\n | The inspection only assesses the safety condition of windows. Only windows identified as dangerous or requiring repair need to be fixed. Owners are not required to repair all windows.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Penalties for Non-Compliance<\/td>\n | Ignoring a BD notice can result in a fine of up to HK$25,000 and possible prosecution.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Common Pitfalls<\/td>\n | Some contractors exaggerate repair needs to increase charges. Owners should choose transparent service providers who only charge for necessary repairs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n What is the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme? Legislative Background and Legal Basis<\/h2>\nHong Kong experiences window fall incidents every year. According to BD statistics, more than 300 window fall reports are received annually, many involving aged and poorly maintained aluminium window components. The Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme (MWIS)<\/strong> was officially launched in 2012. Its purpose is to require property owners, through statutory means, to regularly inspect building windows to prevent accidents.<\/p>\nThe legal basis of the scheme comes from the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123)<\/strong>, which authorises the BD to issue statutory notices to eligible buildings, requiring owners or Incorporated Owners to engage qualified personnel to carry out window inspections and necessary repairs. This is not a voluntary scheme or a guideline \u2014 it is a mandatory legal requirement with statutory force.<\/p>\nIn practice, the BD issues notices in batches according to district and building age. Property owners typically receive a \u201cMandatory Window Inspection Notice\u201d requiring them to complete the inspection and submit the report within a specified deadline. A common mistake among owners is treating the notice as a mere reminder, resulting in delays that lead to fines.<\/p>\n Which Buildings Are Covered? Detailed Coverage Explained<\/h2>\nNot all buildings in Hong Kong fall under the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme. According to BD regulations, the scheme primarily targets private buildings aged 10 years or above<\/strong>, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Public housing estates are managed by the Housing Department and are generally not directly subject to BD notices under this scheme. However, owners\u2019 committees or Incorporated Owners still have a duty to ensure the safety of windows in common areas.<\/p>\nSpecial attention should be paid to village houses (detached houses). Although some village houses are over 10 years old, because they are not multi-storey buildings, their priority in the notification schedule may differ. In contrast, old tenement buildings and post-war apartments in urban areas are often priority targets for the BD due to their age and generally deteriorated window conditions.<\/p>\n It is important to note that even if a building has not yet received a BD notice, property owners still have a legal duty under the principle of legal responsibility to ensure that building windows do not pose a danger to the public. In the event of a window fall causing injury, the owner may face civil liability regardless of whether a notice was received. Therefore, proactively arranging regular inspections is not only a compliance requirement but also an important measure to protect one\u2019s legal interests.<\/p>\n Inspection Frequency and Notification Cycle: The Timeline Property Owners Must Know<\/h2>\nBD window inspection notices are not issued annually. Instead, they are issued on a district-by-district, batch-by-batch<\/strong> basis, with each cycle generally covering approximately five years. This means the same building may receive a notice in one round and then not receive another for several years. Owners should not ignore a new round of notices simply because \u201cit was done last time\u201d, as each notice represents a new statutory obligation.<\/p>\nAfter receiving the notice, owners typically have 60 to 90 days to complete the inspection and submit the report. If owners believe the timeframe is insufficient, they may apply to the BD for an extension, but reasonable grounds must be provided (e.g., difficulty in finding a qualified contractor or the need for the Incorporated Owners to convene a meeting). The BD has some flexibility in approving extension applications, but owners must take the initiative to apply rather than wait passively.<\/p>\n An important detail many owners are unaware of is that if repairs are found to be necessary after inspection, the repair works must also be completed within the specified period, and a completion report must be submitted to the BD. Inspection and repair are two separate compliance steps. Completing the inspection without following up on repairs is also considered non-compliance.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Owners can log into the BD\u2019s online \u201cMandatory Window Inspection Scheme\u201d system to check whether their building has been included in the notification list. Taking the initiative to check progress is more reliable than waiting for the notice to arrive.<\/p>\nWho Can Carry Out Window Inspections? Qualified Personnel Requirements<\/h2>\nThis is the area where owners are most easily confused. According to BD regulations, window inspection works must be carried out by Qualified Persons (QP)<\/strong>. These persons must be BD-recognised Registered Contractors or professionals such as engineers or architects with appropriate qualifications. Ordinary renovation workers, building security guards, or property management company staff \u2014 no matter how experienced \u2014 are not permitted to carry out statutory window inspections.<\/p>\nThe list of recognised contractors can be found on the official BD website. When selecting a contractor, owners should proactively request proof of registration qualifications and sample inspection reports from previous projects, rather than relying solely on advertisements or word-of-mouth. Inspections carried out by unqualified personnel are legally equivalent to not having been inspected at all, and owners remain legally liable.<\/p>\n All window inspection works carried out by EJW Window Security are performed by BD-registered personnel<\/strong> and supported by computer-generated inspection reports. This is not a given in the market \u2014 some smaller contractors still use handwritten or non-standard report formats.<\/p>\n\u201cThe purpose of the window inspection scheme is not to create additional burden for property owners, but to ensure that every window has someone responsibly and regularly assessing its safety condition. The participation of qualified personnel is the core safeguard mechanism of the entire scheme.\u201d \u2014 Buildings Department, \u201cMandatory Window and Building Inspection Schemes\u201d Public Guide<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n The Complete Inspection Process: From Receiving the Notice to Submitting the Report<\/h2>\nUnderstanding the full inspection process helps owners plan their time and budget reasonably and avoid last-minute panic. Below are the main steps of the standard inspection procedure.<\/p>\n Step 1: Receive the BD Notice and Confirm the Deadline<\/h3>\nAfter receiving the \u201cMandatory Window Inspection Notice\u201d from the BD, the owner or the secretary of the Incorporated Owners should immediately confirm the completion deadline and requirements stated in the notice. The notice generally includes the number of windows requiring inspection, floor ranges, and report submission method. Do not set the notice aside \u2014 every day of delay reduces the time available to arrange a contractor.<\/p>\n Step 2: Engage a Recognised Contractor and Conduct On-site Inspection<\/h3>\nContact at least two to three BD-recognised contractors for quotations and on-site inspections. A qualified contractor should be able to provide a preliminary assessment after the site visit, indicating which windows may require repair. Note that the quotation for the site inspection should be clearly separated from the final inspection fee, and this should be confirmed in writing.<\/p>\n Step 3: Carry Out the Inspection and Record Findings<\/h3>\nQualified personnel will conduct a systematic inspection of each window, assessing items including window frame structural integrity, opening and closing mechanisms, glass fixing devices, waterproof sealing, and overall installation condition. A compliant inspection should include photographic records to provide evidentiary support for the subsequent report.<\/p>\n Step 4: Carry Out Necessary Repair Works<\/h3>\nIf the inspection identifies safety hazards or damage to windows, the contractor should provide detailed repair recommendations and a cost breakdown. Owners should only pay for repair items that are genuinely required. Tip:<\/strong> Request the contractor to list in writing the specific reason for each recommended repair item and attach photographs taken during the inspection as evidence. This effectively prevents unnecessary charges.<\/p>\nStep 5: Submit the Inspection Report to the BD<\/h3>\nAfter completing the inspection and any necessary repairs, the recognised contractor should assist the owner in preparing and submitting an inspection report that complies with BD format requirements.<\/p>\n Window Inspection Cost Guide: Market Rates and How to Avoid Overcharging<\/h2>\nWindow inspection fees in Hong Kong vary enormously. Some owners have reported receiving quotations several times higher than market rates. Understanding the fee structure helps owners make rational decisions. Generally, inspection fees consist of the following components: the inspection service fee (calculated based on the number of windows or floor levels) and, if required, repair works costs (calculated based on actual work content).<\/p>\n Market observations indicate that inspection service fees (excluding repairs) for typical private residential units generally range from several hundred to over one thousand Hong Kong dollars, depending on the number of windows, building type, and location. When an Incorporated Owners arranges inspection for the entire building, more favourable pricing is often obtainable because the contractor\u2019s mobilisation costs can be spread across more units.<\/p>\n The most common consumer trap is contractors exaggerating repair needs after inspection and listing numerous unnecessary replacement items, leading owners to believe that failing to proceed would be non-compliant. In reality, inspection results fall into only two categories: \u201cPass\u201d (windows are safe, no repair required) and \u201cRepair Required\u201d (specific damaged items have been identified). Owners have the right to ask the contractor to explain the specific reason for each repair recommendation and to refuse payment for items that cannot be clearly justified.<\/p>\n EJW Window Security\u2019s charging principle is to only charge for necessary repairs identified in the inspection report and not to create unnecessary works. This principle is supported by the engineering management culture of its parent company, Express Engineering Company Limited. All repair recommendations are supported by written photographic records, allowing owners to clearly verify where every dollar is spent.<\/p>\n Comparison of Three Window Inspection Service Models<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n \n\n\n| Service Model<\/th>\n | Features, Advantages and Disadvantages<\/th>\n | Suitable For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | \n\n| Incorporated Owners Arranged (Whole Building)<\/td>\n | Costs can be spread, unified management is convenient, but individual owners\u2019 specific requests may receive less attention. If the contractor selected by the IO is of inconsistent quality, individual owners may find it difficult to change.<\/td>\n | Residents of multi-storey buildings, especially old tenement buildings with a large number of windows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Owner Engages Recognised Contractor Directly (Individual Unit)<\/td>\n | Owners can choose a trusted contractor and have greater control over the inspection process, but fees are generally higher than whole-building arrangements.<\/td>\n | Individual owners with higher requirements for inspection quality, or situations where the IO has not made unified arrangements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Property Management Company Arranges on Behalf<\/td>\n | Convenient and fast; owners do not need to contact contractors themselves. However, the primary consideration of the property management company may not be obtaining the best value for owners, creating potential conflicts of interest.<\/td>\n | Owners who wish to minimise administrative work, but are advised to verify the contractor\u2019s qualifications and report quality themselves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance: Fines and Prosecution Risks<\/h2>\nMany owners underestimate the legal consequences of ignoring window inspection notices. Under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123), the BD has the power to take legal action against owners who fail to comply with a Mandatory Window Inspection notice. The maximum fine can reach HK$25,000<\/strong>, and imprisonment is also possible. Although actual imprisonment sentences are extremely rare, fines have indeed been imposed.<\/p>\nMore importantly, if a window falls and causes injury before inspection has been carried out, the owner may face not only criminal liability but also civil claims, with compensation amounts potentially many times higher than inspection costs. From a pure cost-benefit perspective, compliant window inspection is absolutely the more economical choice.<\/p>\n The BD also follows certain enforcement patterns: if an owner does not respond after the first notice, the Department will usually issue a reminder notice. If there is still no response, the BD may take direct legal action or arrange for a government-recognised contractor to carry out the inspection on behalf of the owner and recover the costs from the owner \u2014 usually at a higher rate than if the owner had arranged it themselves.<\/p>\n In practice, it has been observed that in some cases, due to chaotic building management or difficulty in contacting owners, notices have gone unaddressed multiple times, eventually leading to legal problems. Incorporated Owners should establish clear document management procedures to ensure that every BD notice is followed up by a designated person.<\/p>\n EJW Window Security\u2019s Inspection Approach: How Professional Standards Protect Property Owners\u2019 Interests<\/h2>\nThe quality of window inspection contractors in the market varies greatly. When selecting a service provider, owners need to identify genuine professional standards. EJW Window Security (www.hkejw.com), as a service provider specialising in window inspection works in Hong Kong, differs from general contractors in several key aspects.<\/p>\n The first is its detailed inspection protocol<\/strong>. EJW carries out inspections according to a systematic checklist covering multiple assessment dimensions, including window frame integrity, glass fixing devices, waterproof sealing, opening and closing mechanisms, and overall installation conditions. Photographic records are taken for every assessment item as objective evidence. This systematic approach eliminates room for subjective judgment and ensures that inspection results are traceable.<\/p>\nThe second is its transparent charging principle<\/strong>. EJW only recommends repairs for windows where problems have actually been identified in the inspection report, and provides written photographic proof of the necessity of each repair item. Owners will not be sold unnecessary replacement works due to the contractor\u2019s commercial interests \u2014 a practice that is markedly different from some competitors who exaggerate repair needs.<\/p>\nThe third is computer-generated inspection reports<\/strong>. EJW provides computer-generated reports, which are more advanced and clearer than handwritten reports. The engineering background of its parent company, Express Engineering Company Limited, also ensures the technical accuracy and professionalism of the reports.<\/p>\nIn addition to Mandatory Window Inspection, EJW\u2019s service scope also includes aluminium window component replacement, full window replacement, and waterproofing repair works. Owners can complete both the inspection and subsequent repair works with the same service provider, reducing the administrative burden of coordinating different contractors. Owners who wish to understand the detailed service content can visit www.hkejw.com<\/a> directly for more information.<\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n What is the difference between the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme and the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme?<\/h3>\nBoth schemes are implemented by the BD under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123), but they cover different scopes. The Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme (MWIS) specifically targets building windows and requires owners to regularly inspect window safety conditions. The Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBS) targets the common areas, external walls, and structural elements of the entire building. The two are independent statutory requirements and do not replace each other. Owners must comply with both.<\/p>\n Can tenants arrange window inspections on behalf of owners?<\/h3>\nFrom a legal responsibility perspective, the duty to inspect ultimately rests with the property owner, not the tenant. Tenants may assist in arranging for contractors to enter the unit to carry out inspection works, but contractual relationships, payment of fees, and report submission should be handled by the owner or a person authorised by the owner. If the tenancy agreement contains relevant clauses, owners may require tenants to cooperate with inspection access arrangements, but statutory compliance responsibility cannot be transferred to the tenant.<\/p>\n If windows need to be replaced after inspection, who bears the cost?<\/h3>\nThe party responsible for bearing the cost depends on the nature of the window. If it is a window belonging to an individual unit (generally the property of the owner), the repair or replacement cost is borne by the individual owner. If it is a window in a common area of the building (e.g., corridors or lobbies), the cost is paid from the management fee reserve of the Incorporated Owners or apportioned according to the undivided shares held by owners. Owners should confirm the relevant division of responsibility in the building\u2019s Deed of Mutual Covenant or management rules.<\/p>\n If I purchase a new unit and the previous owner has already completed the window inspection, do I still need to inspect it again?<\/h3>\nInspection responsibility follows the building unit, not the individual owner. If a window inspection notice issued by the BD for a unit has already been complied with by the previous owner, the new owner does not need to repeat the inspection before the next round of notices is issued. However, if the previous owner purchased the unit and never followed up on an outstanding inspection notice, the new owner takes over that outstanding statutory responsibility upon taking possession and should contact the BD as soon as possible to check the status and arrange follow-up action.<\/p>\n If I lose or do not receive the BD window inspection notice, can I be exempted from responsibility?<\/h3>\nNo. The BD generally sends notices by registered mail to the building address. Owners have a responsibility to ensure they can receive important government correspondence. Failure to receive a notice due to an outdated address or vacant property does not constitute a valid reason for exemption. Owners can periodically log into the BD\u2019s online system to check whether their building has any outstanding window inspection notices. Taking the initiative to check is more prudent than waiting passively.<\/p>\n Can an Incorporated Owners arrange window inspection for the entire building?<\/h3>\nYes, and this is the most common and efficient approach. An Incorporated Owners can engage a recognised contractor to carry out window inspection for the entire building. Fees are generally lower than individual unit arrangements, and administration is also more convenient. When arranging inspection, the IO should ensure that the selected contractor possesses BD-recognised qualifications, reach a consensus on fee arrangements and contractor selection at the owners\u2019 meeting, and keep relevant meeting records.<\/p>\n Reference Materials<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n \n- Official website of the Hong Kong Buildings Department \u2013 provides the latest regulatory requirements for the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme and the list of recognised contractors<\/a><\/li>\n
- Hong Kong e-Legislation database \u2013 access the full text of the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123)<\/a><\/li>\n
- Construction Industry Council \u2013 provides industry standards for construction works and information on contractor qualification recognition<\/a><\/li>\n
- Hong Kong Housing Society \u2013 provides professional guidelines and subsidy scheme information for private building repair and maintenance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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